Why do we need to promote low wage, low skill, and low paying employers? We need have Americans work in jobs that promote skill growth, promote benefits, and promote a salary that allows workers to live in the community.

One word - Alcohol.

While "Jonathan" may make a good point overall - with a little research he would find that Starbucks is actually one of the few companies that treats their hourly employees fairly well. Especially those employees who work at least 20 hours per week. Examples are access to annual bonuses, 401K matching, discounted stock purchase options. Starbucks also offers free online college tuition, healthcare insurance and even adoption services. * Source: Motley Fool. Web Link I don't work for Starbucks, never have worked for them, don't own their stock and have no plans to work for them. I don't mind poking at companies like WalMart, etc. who have well-earned reputations for treating employees like dirt. But I think it is only appropriate to point out companies who actually try to do the right thing.

How does opening a Starbucks "promote low wage, low skill, and low paying employers?" Not every job requires a ton of skill or pays terribly well. The 50 or so people that this new store will employ are applying for their jobs voluntarily and will probably be very happy to work there. That's their decision.

Big fan of the 'French press' style coffee.. strong and clean tasting. Just wish they didn't name it 'french' - it makes me feel like I should be wearing a beret.

Randy: It's only to give credit where due. Just like "French-fried" potatoes (another kitchen method popularized there). Or Russian salads, Swiss cheese, Chinese cabbage, Italian vermouth, Polish sausage. . . In turn, some European countries still call turkeys "Indian chickens" (as in, native-American), shortened in some regions to simply "Indian" (as in, "What's for dinner?" "Roast Indian"). I am not making this up. . .